Nordhavn Taco Run wrap up
by Nordhavn 7 Jan 07:34 PST
2025 Nordhavn Taco Run © Nordhavn
The 2025 Taco Run wrapped up last Tuesday with a grand finale dinner at Marina Puerto Escondido. An ill-timed storm that hit southern California and Mexico and caused a delay in the departure of the Taco Run also sidelined some of the boats trying to come down the coast to take part.
In the end, ten Nordhavns in total joined in the 10-day rally that went through some of the most scenic cruising grounds off the west coast of North America. Nordhavns ranging in size from 40 to 96 feet explored the Baja Peninsula, traveling a total of just under 1,000 nm and making five stops along the way.
Fleet leader, Eric Leishman, Nordhavn's sales team lead in Dana Point, opted to postpone leaving Ensenada by a day for the safety and enjoyment of the entire fleet. It proved to be a smart move with temperate conditions lining up the rest of the way. Perhaps it was the passing storm that made for superb fishing conditions with nearly every boat pulling in prize Dorado, Wahoo and Yellowfin. "We couldn't have asked for a better time," Leishman said after the event wrapped. "The fishing, the swimming, the laughs, the destinations and the camaraderie - it was a Nordhavn get-together exactly as you'd picture it."
The original Taco Run was born in 2019, the brainchild of N55 owners Kevin and Alison Jeffries who were headed south from Seattle to spend the winter in Mexico and invited Nordhavns in the area to join them. Six Nordhavns wound up making the trek and not only cruised as a group but celebrated Thanksgiving together, too. When the Jeffries continued on with cruising eastward the following year, PAE took over the reins.
This year's Taco Run itinerary included six destinations over eight days: Ensenada, Bahia Santa Maria, Magdalena Bay, Los Cabos, Bahia de Los Muertos (Bay of Dreams), and Escondido. Eighteen boats originally signed on to participate, which is the most ever for this event. Due to the considerable number of boats, PAE stationed a couple Nordhavn technicians aboard two of the participating yachts to provide support to any vessel requiring assistance.
Safety nets like having access to techs, as well as cruising in company, are part of what makes the idea of the Taco Run rally so appealing for Nordhavn owners. For Robert Large and his wife, Drena, who took delivery of their Nordhavn 41 just over a year ago, the Taco Run is their first long-distance trip, and he's happy it happened while surrounded by a number of experienced captains. "We are super excited to finally be embarking on a true long distance passage that the boat is intended for," said Robert before departure. "And we appreciate the safety in numbers, the other experienced skippers and the Nordhavn team that we can learn from."
Nordhavns traveling en masse is a proven concept that kicked off in 2004 with the renowned Nordhavn Atlantic Rally, its off-shoot Med Bound trips and all the other owner-organized cruises like the Siberian Sushi Run, or more informal buddy-boating Atlantic Crossings such as the one that happened earlier this summer.
Eric Leishman says the success of the Taco Run events are due to a perfect storm of location, timing and adventurous owners. "Firstly, our sales reps and commissioning techs are constantly making the run from Dana Point to Ensenada for offloads and deliveries, so you're talking a lot of knowledge of those cruising grounds," he said, adding, "Then you've got a lot of Nordhavns that are heading to Mexico this time of year. We are happy to capture those owners and organize a great itinerary for them to help kick off their winter season."
It will be the second owners event for the Larges - they were at last year's Owners Rendezvous in Poulsbo, WA, but without their boat. The couple, like most Nordhavn owners, are active on the Nordhavn Owners Group (NOG) forum, but say nothing beats meeting other owners in person. "Being around all the Nordhavn boats makes (owner events) even more special," Robert says. "We all love Nordhavn and our boats, so there is a strong common bond, and always lots to talk about!"
Several of the owners have attended multiple Nordhavn owner events, but none have attended a previous Taco Run. None of the owners have, but one of the boats has. Nordhavn 60#80 Last Arrow is making her second Taco Run appearance.
Route / Itinerary
Departure Point: Marina Coral, Ensenada - hotel accommodations available on site.
- November 14 - Meet & Greet Taco Party at the Marina Coral outdoor restaurant. A fun chance to put faces to names and meet fellow Nordhavn owners and crew.
- November 15 - Depart Ensenada for Bahia Santa Maria | ~535 NM | ~66 hours
- November 18-20 - Fishing and relaxing between Santa Maria and Magdalena Bay. Potluck dinner in Mag Bay—bring your best dish!
- November 20 - Depart Magdalena Bay for Puerto Los Cabos | ~190 NM | ~24 hours
- November 23 - Depart Puerto Los Cabos for Bahia de Los Muertos (Bay of Dreams) | ~73 NM | ~9 hours
- November 24 - Depart Los Muertos for Loreto or Marina Puerto Escondido | ~145 NM | ~18 hours
- November 25 - Closing Party at Marina Puerto Escondido